IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample 714 - Studying the past has little value in the modern world

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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

To some people studying the past has little value in the modern world. Why do you think it is important to learn the past? What will be the effect if children are not taught history?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer 1:

Some people give little credit and value of studying history as it is petty and in their opinion does not have any importance in the modern society. Other people,on the contrary, reckon that the past has prominent roles in understanding our modern life and taking important decisions for the future. So in this essay, I will consider both points of views and state my own assertion on the matter followed by the consequences if we do not teach history to our children.

In the modern world, it cannot be denied that examining the past could be unbelievably valuable in terms of understanding of our modern world problems. There is a saying that suggests that "history repeats itself", for this reason, if we delve into history, examine it without leaving any detail behind, we will have more opportunities to anticipate forthcoming problems and it is undeniable that problems would be solved very easily. Human conflicts, inventions and socials issues in all the ages are quite similar and this is what makes the study of past so important. Without studying the past we cannot understand why a certain civilization flourished among others and why nations were destroyed. This knowledge can give us such a wisdom that would help us progress further.

History has a great importance in our lives, in spite of the fact that there are people who think the past is useless and there is no point in studying history. However, it is undoubtedly true that an explicit future awaits the one who has delved into history. Thus teaching history to the children needs to be considered comprehensively. Because if children are not taught history, there will be consequences. For instance, lack of knowledge of the past of their country would have a tragic outcome in the society.

To conclude, studying and examining the past has a fundamental value in the modern world and it is undeniable that the effects of the children who are not taught history would be more catastrophic than anyone could imagine.

[ Written by - Eldar Rehimli ]

Model Answer 2:
Learning the history might not have any or little importance for some people in these days, but, the history and past can’t be ignored. The present is built on the pillars of past and only learning from the past can give us right direction for the future. In my point of view, something that happened in the past, need to be learned to go ahead with the right decisions. If the new generations are not taught history, they will not have any respect towards the past struggle or glory of the country and thus they won’t become the citizens we want them to be.

Learning the past is the knowledge we require to learn about the right and wrong. This gives us the opportunity to take the right decision for the future. If someone does not learn the past history, he will never have any respect for the country, humanity and towards the world. He will simply become a selfish citizen who won’t even respect the rich tradition of a country. To his everything would be like an automated and programmed system. Through history learning, children should be introduced to their country, culture, and tradition. This is hoped to become a first step to building a soul of nationality in students themselves. If children do not know the history of their country, they will have no idea how to build the nation. For example, if children grow up without learning the past of their country and become a future policy maker, they will never realize the need of their country and won’t be able to take a right decision.

Secondly, students who learn about history will understand how their ancestors survived to get the independence of their country. So, from this understanding, children may have a good motivation to develop their ability in order to contribute to the building of their country; physically and mentality. Students without this ability usually will have a lack of contribution to their nation. For instance, the children who live in another country for a long time and do not learn about Indonesian history will tend to never come back to build Indonesia, even though Indonesian society needs their contribution.

In conclusion, based on reasons mentioned above, history learning is needed by students to build their nationality and motivate them to contribute to their country. Learning the past is the first step to building a better future.

[ Written by - Shinta Sari ]

Model Answer 3:Many people state that studying history has many important values in the modern life while others have an opposite view on this. In my opinion, the very purpose of the history lessons in schools is to educate students what the world was in the past and how to build a better future from the lessons the history tells us. By studying and observing history, students can learn from the past events of our past generations and their experiments, mistakes, success, dedication, lifestyle, struggling and bravery can teach us to be ready for the hardships of life beforehand.

The past has always comprised of invaluable insights of great kings, thinkers and warriors like Napoleon, Nietzsche and Aschille. Examples taken from their words and actions are great source for those who are passionate about acquiring ideas and clues of how to survive and thrive. Moreover, as my country's former president Haydar A. said "the one who do not know their past do not have a future either"- hence if the children who study at all stages of school are not encouraged by their history teachers to try to obtain observation and notions from the people of past, their progress in life are not expected to be as thriving as the ones who do. Furthermore when a person is not interested in history at school and travels overseas, how can this person introduce themselves as a patriotic individual? They are incapable of talking about anything that their country and nation went through. The future is written in the past and knowledge about the past can encourage us to make a better future. How can we understand the casualty or was if we do not look back at the major wars from history?

To sum up, history belongs to the community itself and therefore it is people's duty to transmit it to the next generation. And as a result, by the help of the deductions from the predecessor's experiences and insights beneficiaries will be able to live uneventful and relaxed.